smaller steering wheel

[Gene Regan]

good evening all

thinking of reducing steering wheel size, has any one done this, and what other changes in the system may be necessary to move to smaller diameter wheel.
smaller wheel would be nice it would better facilitate movement around the cockpitas our older boats have a narrower stern.



thanks again
gene regan
1988 713  freedom

gene regan

[Tom P, IMPULSE #233, '86]

Gene,

I'd like to start out by stating I have not converted to a smaller wheel, but have a pretty good understanding of the wheel system.  I have done one complete installation on a non-Catalina tiller boat, and performed mods to my past wheel steered boat (non-Catalina)...

As long as you use an Edson wheel (I'm pretty certain Catalina used an Edson System) with the right hub size, it should only be a 10 minute swap...Remove hub nut, and with luck your old wheel will come off without a whole lot of persuation...Slide new wheel on, and install the nut...

The down side to going to a smaller wheel is that the helm person will feel more pull, or be required to use more effort to turn the wheel---you will be using a smaller lever (the steering wheel) to move the same mass (the rudder)...How much more effort???  Depends on how much smaller the new wheel is from the old; i.e. by how much you decrease the size of the "lever"...I'd be willing to guess an inch or two difference in wheel size will not greatly affect the helm...Four inches or more difference in wheel size may cause a cosiderable difference to the helm...

A smaller wheel will also require more movement to get the same response as the bigger wheel...Instead of turning the original wheel a quarter turn for a X degree turn, the smaller wheel may require much more than a quarter (almost 1/2???) a turn for same X degree turn...Again, it depends greatly on how much smaller the new wheel is to be exact...

In order to offset the ill effects (heavier loads) of a smaller wheel, you could increase the size of the quadrant...The quadrant is the "lever" (shaped like a half moon or full circle) which is  attached the the actual rudder post, and is where the ends of the steering cables are attached...A quadrant may be a little more difficult to replace since they are usually "keyed" or at least bolted to the rudder post...You shouldn't have to drop the rudder, but you might have to spend time and $$$ getting the new quadrant modified (by a machine shop) to properly fit you rudder post...Also have to check if there is actually room for a larger the Quadrant; sufficient room between pedestal turning blocks and rudder post, or no other interference; obviously I'm not sure how much room there is in the current setup to house a larger quadrant...

If are you having trouble getting around the wheel mainly while at the dock, I'd recommend installing an Edson quick release nut and wheel storage bracket; the nut is larger and knurled so you can take it off by hand, then you can quickly remove the wheel and store it on a bracket mounted to your stern rail or stantion...These items are in the West Marine Catalog and total should be well under $100 I beleive...

If you want a smaller wheel for underway time, I'd look for a cheaper wheel (not Edson) that will fit the Edson shaft from someone like Defender Industries--usually half what Edson charges...Then if you like the wheel but don't like the extra load on the wheel, you can THEN buy a bigger quadrant--if there is room to install one...And if you don't like the wheel, at least you are not out as much money...


Hope this helps,
Tom P

[reedbr]

I agree that the amount of force necessary increases with a smaller lever arm (wheel).  However, I don't think the number of turns lock-to-lock will change.

If you are getting a lot of force on the wheel assumedly from weatehr helm, it is probably necessary to retrim sails.  However, it has been impossible for me to get it perfectly balanced when close hauled, so there is some force.

The bigger issue I think is helm posiiton.  The smaller wheel requires you sit closer to it to reach it.  Not a problem from the center position, but if you sit on the rail it might be a critical few inches.  The quick release hub might be the cheaper and better option.  A boating friend might also be able to "loan" you a smaller wheel for an afternoon test drive.  If I'm not mistaken, Edson only made two hub sizes.

Good luck.  Sorry I don't have any personal experiences to help.

Brian Reed
1997 C34 mkII "Ambitious"
Solomons, MD

[Stu Jackson]

Smaller Wheel

Gene

Lots of good input.  But don't spend a dime on the Edson quck release wheel thingy.  We have the standard wheel nut.  Just make sure the hub threads are greased nicely and you can always take it off by hand.  In fact, we just have a little habit of making sure it's still on hand tight, and just check it every once in a while.

Years ago Al Watson (or someone else maybe) asked about buying one of those Edson hang the wheel over the side (expensive) gadgets.  There was a thread about it that may have been put on the FAQs, or maybe even on projects.  If it's room you need at anchor, then just take it off and stow it somewhere whithout spending too much $$.  You know me, try the two search engines.  :)

If you want to check out how a smaller wheel works when sailing, just tie some 3/8 line onto and between the spokes on your existing wheel with rolling hitches, and try it out.  Just don't touch the wheel rim, and keep your hands on the lines between the spokes and you'll get a great feel for it, both tension and distance from the side decks.

I always love the least expensive solution.

Give it a try in heavy air and see if you like it.

Good luck,

Stu

[Gene Regan]

THANK YOU ALL
GOOD TO SEE THAT OTHERS HAVE IDEAS,HOWEVER STU MAKES SENSE KEEPING IT SIMPLE SEEMS TO BE THE KEY AND CHEAP IS GOOD. THE ONLY TIME ITS A BOTHER IS AT THE DOCK AND REMOVING IT AND TEMP STORAGE IS A GOOD IDEA.
THE VIEW FROM THE RAIL SEAT POSITION IS GREAT AND I LIKE THE EFFORT REQUIRED TO STEER THE BOAT NOW.SO I THINK ILL STAY WITH WHAT WE HAVE.
AGAIN THANKS FOR THE COME BACK
GENE REGAN 713 FREEDOM

gene regan